How much do those "cheap rate" 0845 etc. numbers really cost?

 Confused by phone charges or don’t know how much a phone call really costs? Perhaps that's their intention...

By Tony Monk. The information is based on research Tony did as a volunteer for KentLINk after it was discovered that several local GP practices were found to be using 0844 numbers, possibly on a revenue sharing basis.  Tony was also particularly incensed when he noticed that the expensive 0870 series number was rather cynically used by the Government as an emergency number for the public to ask for names of victims of the 7 July 2005 London bombings. 

WHAT THE AVERAGE PERSON THINKS

Many callers think that that 0843/4/5 calls are charged at a local rate or similarly cheaper cost.

THE TRUTH

0845 and 0870 numbers typically cost between 1p and 10.5p/min with or without set up fees and again are normally far more expensive from a mobile phone, typically 12 to 41p per min.

0871/2/3 numbers typically cost more than 0845 and 0870 numbers.

Charges for 0843/4 numbers from a landline vary greatly, typically between 1p and 13p/min plus a call set up fee. For example, Talktalk charge a set up fee of 13.87p per call and then 5p/min. One company was unable to quote a charge as it depends on the recipient’s telephone service provider.  Charges to these numbers will normally be far higher from a mobile phone.

118 numbers can be a very expensive and can cost up to £2.50 for a search plus up to £3.00 per min.

07 numbers are for mobile phones and will vary greatly between providers and depend on whether they are made from another mobile or a landline phone.

DO NOT phone 09 numbers unless you are very rich or a financial masochist as they can cost up to £2.60/min from a landline or mobile!

0500 numbers are free from a landline but are charged for from a mobile phone.  056 numbers are used for VOIP calls via the internet.

0800 and 0808 calls are normally free from a landline but typically cost 21p from a mobile phone.

116 is a range of easy-to-remember phone numbers for use throughout Europe to assist children and adults in need.

01, 02 and 03 numbers are normally charged at standard geographical number rates dependent on your provider, typically between 2p and 10p per minute and will normally be more expensive from a mobile typically 10p to 40p/min.

On the plus side many companies include all 01, 02, 03, 0845 and 0870 numbers in their inclusive bundles BUT NOT the other 08 series numbers.

WHO IS USING THESE NUMBERS?

There is an increasing use of higher rate charge 084 and 087 series numbers by commercial organisations.  Some corporate and government help lines have started using 03 numbers but many are still using the 084 and 087 series of numbers.  Examples include:-

• DVLA 0870 240 0009 or 0300 790 681
• Department of Health Publications 0870 155 5455 or 0300 155 5455
• Many NHS hospitals are now using 0845 numbers and some GP practices have started using 0844 numbers. Remember, if your GP is using one of these numbers he or she might be making a profit from your call.
• HMRC's 0845 number for tax queries costing upto 41p per minute

THE HIGH CHARGES ARE A WAY OF MAKING MONEY FROM YOUR CALL

An example of this is revenue sharing.  In other words the money paid for some 08 series calls is split between the service provider and the recipient and could lead to deliberate delays while the caller pays to listen to music.  Start worrying when you hear “In order to improve our service…….” which is then followed by music!

THE RULES NEED TO BE CHANGED

While most mobile users are aware of the costs of their phone and calls, many mobile and landline users are not aware of just how expensive 084 and 087 series numbers can be.  Many companies help to spread the myth that these calls cost no more than a local call – a fraudulent lie!

Rather than reducing costs, competition has led to total confusion and some very high prices.  In future let’s greatly simplify these numbers with standard maximum charges. Callers should be clearly advised of the cost per minute before the call charges start, and the time taken for the advice to be heard should be free.  No more set up fees or other sneaky charges and no more revenue sharing schemes.  

OFCOM has some proposals for changes, published in December 2010 – see http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/2010/12/tackling-consumer-confusion-over-call-charges/.  OFCOM seems, however, to have been dragging its feet for a long time while the public remains unprotected from these rip-offs  

LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS ARE WORST AFFECTED

The cost of calling these numbers is generally significantly more from mobiles. The impact of the higher cost on mobiles is particularly pronounced for people on lower incomes who are more likely to live in mobile-only households, and use their mobile or call box to call essential services on these numbers such as some benefit offices, councils, utility services and doctor surgeries, etc.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Make sure you complain to Ofcom if you have a problem with charging and also chase them on what they are doing about urgently needed reforms.  Contact them on

0300 123 3000 or 020 7981 3000 or at http//www.ofcom.org.uk

If your complaint concerns premium (09) numbers contact 0800 500212 or

Phonepayplus.org.uk

Also have a look at Ofcoms very helpful Number Crunching website on http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/files/2010/01/numbering.pdf

REMEMBER

If you can afford to, consider buying a package from your phone company and check they include 01, 02, 03, 0845 and 0870 numbers, but calls outside these numbers can be eye-wateringly expensive especially if made from a mobile.  Try to find a cheaper alternative number first.

Use the SAY NO TO 0870 website for alternative numbers for many business and government lines. This site lists alternative geographic numbers that are much cheaper. The information is crowdsourced, so if you know of any that are not on the site please add them to it.

If you want to find a number from a landline phone try 0800 118 3733 – it is directory enquiries for free!!

Confusing isn’t it.  Take care or you could be making someone very rich at your own expense! Who said privatisation and consequent competition would lead to cheaper calls?